New Delhi: Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda, who is planning to make a biopic on A P J Abdul Kalam, says he needs good amount of time to direct the movie on the former Indian President.

The "I Am Kalam" director said he had even discussed the idea of making the film with Kalam.

"When you think of making a film on such a personality, you have to take a hiatus for at least three years. It is not a film which can be made in six-seven months.

"I would love to make a film on him because I have spent ample amount of time with him. But I don't know when I will start making it. I had few discussions with Kalam sir too about his biopic when he was alive," Nila told PTI.

When the entire country was mourning the death of the former India President, who died in Shillong in July, the filmmaker was happy to see how every channel was showing "I am Kalam" to keep his spirit alive.

"Every channel was showing 'I Am Kalam' after his death. Though it was not a film on his life, it is a film which will keep his spirit and teachings alive."

"I Am Kalam", a 2011 film, revolved around a poor Rajasthani boy whose life changes forever after he takes a cue from a speech delivered by the former President.

Nila's latest satirical drama "Kaun Kitne Paani Mein" hit theatres recently. The film talked about the water scarcity in a village in Odisha.